John Martyn May You Never

[@Duryardslegend]

All the critics out there. This Man wrote the song, he can sing it anyway he likes...The emotion and age in this song adds to it's integrity.

[@screwgunscrewgun1363]

Tout à fait juste !

[@andrewz4537]

In an interview Martyn said he didn't like the way Clapton did the song. He laughed a bit and said Clapton could do it however he wanted but it wasn't the way it should be done.

[@lauriesweetbrown5417]

Thank you for saying this I first heard this done by e.claptin&I liked it A Lot!! But this version by the author himself is so very much fuller I adore his versionjohn pryne owns the song &presents it with the conviction &passion that his lovely words&great accompaniment &beautiful flesh it out with! This version is the way my heart would sing it&want it to be played as forever !! Doesn't hurt that my brother looks&plays much like him so it hits a very deep chord in me!

[@wmaarse]

Goddamn, what a power!

[@oscargustaverejlander.]

Exactly. A song is totally allowed to evolve with the artist who wrote it.

[@lennydylan]

they don't make em like that anymore...what a fucking legend that man was x

[@guyperry4010]

You speak the truth

[@donuttime2507]

Yeah they do...your just stuck in your ways

[@markpower3282]

Amen to that

[@Meddled]

He was also an insecure, wife-beating shitbag who turned his back on most of his children. His treatment of Beverley Martyn makes him anything but a "fucking legend".

[@chriseasdon3536]

true

[@AllisonMacleod-i8j]

I bought my first Vinyl album 1977 One World I was only 9 yrs of age and I followed him live when I was old enough to go to concerts. . I met this beautiful soul personally a few times right to the end , legs amputated but they couldn’t amputate this magnificent voice and heart and soul ❤️ his music lives on , RIP big stuff we miss you JM ❤

[@bigjeffmorris]

I mustve seen John .. 20 times ?.. he never plays anything the same... but always plays it to perfection. He was/is.. easily the best. Miss you John x

[@ivand1627]

One of the most outstanding performance that an old man and incredible musician ever do. This man was the same age as Nick Drake's genius would have been. They were both friends. John dedicated his song Solid Air to him. Nick was left on the road. The British way of expressing magic through alternate tunings and inspiration. John went as far as he could as a survivor of himself. An exalted artist. A song worthy of any top.

[@grantgilbertson3533]

This is an awesome take on this song. RIP you beautiful Bastard.

[@paulhoughton5164]

The man had soul in buckets and we heard it every time he opened his mouth and picked up a guitar. A legend. For someone who had such extremes of behaviour his romantic and soulful side was what we all fell in love with.

[@cass2771]

‘Soul in buckets’. I hadn’t thought of him that way, but yeh, spot on. Well said.

[@DonavanJurich]

That's right🤘🎸

[@peadarduggan9191]

Any time that John played live was a pure pleasure. A lover he was, an entertainer he was, and he never got the recognition he deserved. RIP JM.

[@seankeating8559]

The best British blues guitarist and vocalist of all time. Unbelievable soul and musicianship. RIP Big Man.

[@saxoncrow2500]

Blues guitarist? Definitely not.

[@MrDallman]

Roll on Johnny , shine long and shine bright...not sure we ever see the likes of you again.

[@spookytooth2024]

Me and my daughter met John back stage after a gig. He was like a big congenial bear and I was lost for words when he put an arm around us for a photo. It was a digital camera and he’d never seen one before and was fascinated. Sometimes it’s the small things that stay with you forever.

[@normanadair1129]

John Martyn, Never missed playing Queens University Belfast. At a time when only a few played Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher , Dr John. Have such great memories..

[@ChrisSt160]

Once again stucking with John on youtube, every version of that song is unique, what a great artist.

[@jimmymullen7825]

Pure and absolute magic...................love the way he gives the nod to the bass player for the run at the end of it.....

[@emcbride7453]

first time I ever heard or seen this incredible and sadly deceased singer-songwriter, guitarist. wow. how is that possible? will spend as much time as possible catching up on the 40 years I missed.

[@BOWMANTUNES]

I felt the same way when I first heard him 20 years ago. The important thing is now you know the best kept secret music!

[@ms.e.5190]

Enjoy and evolve ☺️

[@seansrecords]

i only discovered him last year !

[@erobinidcf]

Legend.... he's in the Sold Air now & forever .I have never stopped listening to this album throughout my life..... Thank you John. RIP

[@drfeelgood9814]

Nice one mate!

[@philhayden3667]

I’m 72, (from the west side of the Pond), a career church musician, but I had never heard of this wonderful artist until I heard a cover of one of his songs done by Karine Polwart. I was struck by the raw, open honesty and love in his music. What a legacy he has left for us. 💕🎶

[@somekindofbrain]

When I first saw Mr Martyn live, I didn't really get it. I was 16/17 yrs old and was heavily into metal music (see what I did there?). But over the years, as my appreciation of the musical spectrum grew, I kept returning to John and gradually came to understand and feel his emotional honesty. Still love metal though. That Ms Polwart does channel the spirit of John and do justice to his songs.

[@jjt9201]

May you never die. You'll never die John. Forever in our hearts.

[@johntaylor5696]

Had the pleasure of meeting him in Kendal before the gig. An honour. The guy was a genius. Bottle of spirits in both pockets but delivered a great performance.

[@iankettlewell5677]

throughout my life john has been the background noise... i ll fight you ...you daft bugger,,,,mad bad and the greatest

[@timothylee8009]

I miss this guy so bad

[@titteryenot4524]

You don’t really. You just think you’re cool saying that.

[@janka248]

@@titteryenot4524Think you're without of life.

[@elisabethmcintosh3254]

I was there, a revelation.

[@Kaotiqua]

I keep seeing posts that start with, "Too all the critics," or "I don't care what anyone says..." But I'm confused, because scrolling down a good long ways, nobody seems to have anything but (well-deserved) praise. Great song, great performance, great musician. I don't see anyone arguing it, and I'm not sure how anyone could.

[@jacquelinecrichton7397]

Bless the man, bless the weather.

[@valrietaitsaunders1466]

Kind, generous, warm and funny, a joy to behold. No song performed the same way twice.

[@MrCliffsboy]

dont give a shit what people say this is still class give him some respect the mans given so much to music he was a genius ...atleast he kept going as long as he could hes enjoying this and savoring the moment ..thats life right there...

[@HairyBosch]

So it wasn't his record company (literally) wheeling him out to milk some more sales out of his new-found fame with the kids then...? I've loved JM for donkey's, but this is shit. And embarrassing. RIP John.

[@MrCliffsboy]

past his best yes and abit sad to see him like this but when you really like an artist that much its hard to be critical, to me he knows hes fcked here and his days are numbered but its still an emotional performance maybe thats why i like it ... ...i would hardly say its shit hes sang it better yeah i agree , audience seem to like it anyway.

[@drumgold23]

Nobby Nolevel Bollocks. You know nothing about music or John Martyn, Why are you even bothering to comment. Listen to some of the old blues guys and they sound way worse than this. His vocal style is amazing in his later years, warm, jazzy and expressive. Perhaps you would be better sticking with your Phil Collins CD's. Do you really think he would go out and sing if he didn't want to? If yes, then you're ignorant of John Martyn the man and his music. Please delete your RIP and show some respect for a true talent.

[@dansolo9978]

drumgold23 Quite right He would definately av jus said Fuck Off, with a Smile on his cheeky face, an certainly was not money driven at all... Drugs an Booze but Not Money... An that's whats missing from today's squeaky clean music scene...

[@justMe-rd4sw]

far from shit, yeah his voice aged like so many, but he's still got soul and it's pouring from his fingers into those guitar strings, beautiful .

[@joemdee]

Love this version. Voice is so more mature than in the 70s.

[@MrDallman]

Saw this legend at Reading university in the 80’s .....I am so bloody privileged. God bless you Big man , we could sure do with you coming back now John. Anyone who doesn’t get this surely never will.

[@zenzone8126]

I could never grow tired of John Martyn, just so real. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform in Kentish Town. He worked onto stage smoking a massive spliff ...

[@spencerbaldwin8589]

John Martyn, no one comes close, he could hold the attention of a live audience in his hand, total respect and awe from his loyal fans. He was and still has a great musical influence on my life and I still love the man and his music. I first saw him live in 1987 and many times afterwards right up to how he was in this video. Someone once said going to see John Martyn is an event! How true. Total legend and genius, god bless you John

[@jokesbyandroid]

At first this performance made me sad compared to young, swashbuckling JM. Then I grew to appreciate his towering defiance and the urgency in his voice and his guitar picking. Long live (in our memories) JM.

[@SteveMc1958]

Difficult to see how John keeps every performance of this song so fresh considering he has probably played it many thousands of times...

[@GooseMcSwan]

Best version ever! When the band start getting involved at the end it gave me goosebumps!

[@trevorjones2359]

I first saw him on the Folk barge at Kingston on Thames in 1967.He was such a talented musician.BUT !!!!!!!!

[@kjbray66]

Grew up watching John in Ireland in the '80's, generous humble gent, and agree he can whistle it if he wants too!

[@georgemcelroy3058]

Love this guy. I think he just had the music in him all the time. The world is a better place because JM lived. RIP John.

[@IELTS-Experts]

RIP Big man.

[@raygrant1751]

First time I saw John Martyn was way back on the Old Grey Whistle Test with Whispering Bob Harris. I was struck then by his style and like a good whisky he got better and better over the years. This version of one of his classics is masterclass. Music lost something special when he passed but his music lives on. Long may we remember this great artist.

[@thmer9]

may you never give up

[@markandkathrynr6790]

And what a band - love how they gradually join him. This is top tier.

[@theart8039]

He got more bluesy in later life but still sounded fantastic..I'm learning the bass to accompany this track

[@TheAtticradio]

Awesome !!!

[@ceder4696]

He looks as old as my grandpa was but hes as old as my dad is now but he still has the heart of the grizzly bear

[@lennydylan]

fucking lengend shivers down the spine...lots of love big fella..xxxx

[@jameswithers4549]

Absolutely master of an acoustic guitar.

[@fixed1t]

Brilliant, we saw him about 3 times over the years and he was always brilliant, sad he let his diabetes get the better of him but his chaotic lifestyle created great chaotic sweet music. He's gone but thanks to youtube he's there whenever you want to listen to him.

[@davebellamy4867]

I think I saw John Martyn gigs too, at Aberdeen Ritzy in 1989, Newcastle around 1995 and, errrr, oh yeah, Cambridge in late 1990 with a band and a real drummer! That one was the best of the three gigs and the keyboards guy had a Roland D50 synthesizer that said 'Poland' on the back instead of 'Roland' - no idea why. i sounded great. He also had Alan Thompson on bass and the guy with that gorgeous little soprano saxophone. I think John had a couple of pints of beer on stage and a ciggy or two (that would not be allowed today). I remember he said it was 'wacky backy' - that was a joke, or perhaps not!

[@fixed1t]

Saw him several times in Milton Keynes England a number of times in the 80' and 90s he was always brilliant and it was hard to fathom how he worked his effects and echo units with immaculate timing to achieve incredibly complex layers of sound. I also like his zzzing singing style ' sweet szzzummer szzzurpise'

[@peteperry5712]

It wasn't diabetes pal, it was alcoholism.

[@michaelmonaghan5681]

FIXED1T I agree fully , the way in which it is sung adds to the song , it come from a life time of experience some good , some challenging

[@HereIsmarcus]

I heard him in an interview say that he had a choice to live fast and die young or live longer and - I don't remember the words but they insinuated a less interesting/fun life - and he said he has no regrets in the choices he made. RIP John. You lived fast and died young. Alcohol and drugs often leads to diabetes - and it seems he loved his drugs and alcohol. What a wonderful legacy of music he has left for us still here.

[@lildouche731]

This is wonderful. I don't remember his music from my youth but thank goodness I found it in my older age.

[@simonv7404]

An Icon, a legend, and one of the most vital musicians in British history. Impossible to replicate or replace.

[@stephenparker9434]

Such a heartwarming song! but tinged with sadness! Ever so sad to see John end up this way, just before his death, but it was a lifetime of music and eventually, of self-destruction he pursued on his own terms right to the very end. Ever so unique: The slurred soulful voice, endearing heartfelt self-composed songs. the pioneering echo plex guitarist who fused folk, blues, jazz - a national treasure who unfortunately never achieved the widespread recognition his talents deserved, apart from his fans. Bless you John for leaving a legacy of wonderful music to enjoy. May you be with Nick Drake in another world in solid air where for now we cannot join.

[@grahamrandall8791]

A brilliant songwriter &performer, sadly missed,

[@periurban]

Oh man, I just watched the Whistle Test version and then came to this. I cried both times but for entirely different reasons. Poor John!

[@cherylmeechan9899]

And yes, me too.

[@robbiesize]

I know what you mean. Sad ri see him age. The whistle test version, incredible. Glad he was around .

[@mickymack1230]

God rest his soul, the man was a genius of emotional intelligence.

[@TheMrgaztop]

Spot on. Never be another one like him. Unique in every way.

[@3storiesUp]

Love ya Johnny boy. Rest in peace.

[@DavidBoag-zy8ym]

A master at work!

[@SunnseitnMusi]

Man this is absolutely massive, the voice like good old wine, the groove, the drum-part that lifts it up at the end. pure emotion - just perfect

[@nyeevans13]

God, I love that man' s music. RIP Johnny Bach.

[@ChapmanMusic]

One of the true greats. Miss him so much.

[@PeteHowlett]

The truly remarkable JM in an almost unwatchable through the tears performance of MYN... stunning

[@Geocinema1]

Terrific !!! Wow !!! Do you know where we can have the complete show ?

[@ChrisDeJuanMusic]

Wow this is pure gold!!! Hadn't properly heard this beautiful song for decades I reckon... now I realize that its one of those songs that forms part of my musical dna from when my dad used to play this album at home when i was a child back in the 70's... loving JM's mature bluesy-soulful voice here! RIP maestro

[@pedpete]

This is my favourite version of May You Never. Love his slightly deeper and rougher voice. Simply amazing. I think he's dropped his tuning half a step compared with earlier versions...

[@davidcooke1972]

Oh beautiful and monst'rous John. Heartbreaking.

[@johnkiernan287]

Ye he loved Ireland, and by Christ they loved him. He was there god, a true credit to music when it was at its best, and he was , god rest u mr martyn . The greatest ♥️☘️☘️🇮🇪🇮🇪👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@after8b49]

Saw him play outdoors in Regent's Park around 1980. Never forgotten, totally brilliant.

[@stephenlacey6597]

me too superb

[@carolineew5985]

Mate! I was there. Bloody brilliant.

[@briandonnelly8682]

He drank all the whisky..celtic connections with Eddie Reader...outstanding

[@timdouglas4]

Wonderful Thanks John You are an absolute dancer my friend

[@peterrandall9523]

Saw John so many times back in the seventies, love this song so much. Still miss the John and Danny team. Such great memories.

[@OlafProt]

What's not love about this?! I get sad every time I see videos of him. Missed his (turns out last ever) gig in Belfast early 00's. I thought "ahh I'll see him again". Big bear of a man. This is beautiful. I liken this performance to being Like an old Miles Davis revisiting the past, such is the breadth of Johns genius. Beautiful.

[@funkyllama639]

Keep in mind this man suffered the same disease I have. It will destroy you and take everything from you. Some people can get sober but my life consists of periods of sobriety and meetings followed by relapse. I hate alcohol and what it does to me but i'm truly powerless over it. RIP John, some battles are rigged from the start.

[@mauvebelly]

Thanks for sharing. Wish you the best in recovery

[@liamliosmyth]

Oh wow wasn’t expecting that sax

[@joshuajarman]

I adore how he laughs at himself at 'love is a lesson to learn in our time.' As we reach to criticize how time altered his sound... He asked that we 'please bare it in mind for me.'

[@tonysproule3408]

Tears bigman..

[@bernadetteivaughan8808]

For all your pain and struggle John Martyn you never lost your passionate voice Miss you on this planet gone too soon But so glad to have THIS💚

[@241357]

Saw his last ever concert in Glasgow... It was clear that things were going downhill, but we were treated to an absolute feast of JM masterpieces. I won't forget it, or previous concerts.

[@mauvebelly]

Love him 🙂🔥 beautiful beautiful energy on this vid

[@dobbsgeorge]

this man sang better as a sick old man in his late 50s than most people ever sang in their prime. Every note like a sip from a warm glass of whiskey.

[@niallbyrne7562]

You said it brother 🍀

[@markearl2992]

Less of the 'old'! I'm 59!

[@GooseMcSwan]

Whisky* he was no imitation

[@shivajoe]

Wildly different but with the same heart and soul as his youth. Thank you for posting this. It brings tears to my eyes, God I loved his music

[@GamesWithBrainz]

I personally think this version is just as great as any of the other times he played it, infact id say this is one of the best versions!

[@capedcrusadergrimsby]

Agree. And I've seen 'em all!

[@lauriesweetbrown5417]

Agreed! Me too!- but I also think it would be difficult NOT To like the song no matter who performed it- because it's a terriffic song

[@peterdelmonte9832]

I first saw JM live on 9 December 1968 at a live BBC radio broadcast of Country Meets Folk at the Playhouse Theatre hosted by Wally Whyton. I have umpteen JM albums including the first eleven on vinyl. I took my son to see him perform at The Stables, Milton Keynes which was a year or so before he died, I believe. I'm 70 now (though still 19 between the ears, obviously) and his death upset me more than I'd expected. He really did get under your skin: guitar, voice and lyrics. Wonderful.

[@SuperDavey33]

Went to see John 30 years ago in Sir Henrys in Cork and in all the gigs I have gone to since it is one of my most vivid memories excellent. R.I.P.

[@Avrillo-gf7tx]

I love John Martyn for his great songs and huge personality. Amazing man and musician who kindly befriended Nick Drake who was a very shy man but got on with John M!!

[@colombotaccani]

This song is a masterpiece and this version is absolutely moving.

[@Gravey68690]

The man took it to the limit. If you ever had a friend, and you loved that friend, would this not be a song for you ?

[@mandykitson7039]

That’s a lovely question to pose ! I loved this mans music since the 70s and even though some may say they re sad to see him like this , he was a free spirit and he chose this , to live this way .

[@drfeelgood9814]

Brilliant version of your song! John Martyn God bless you and thanks for coming along, you at peace now!

[@gianidipietro9007]

He hasn't got internet where he is, you might send him a letter

[@n03lr055]

Brilliant as always

[@leemitchellmusic]

John was an original...R.I.P. Biggun X

[@johndamienreilly]

Ironically had a fight in a bar with John Martyn.( He lost his temper) Didn't stop me loving his music. Heavily influenced my songwriting. Have a listen.

[@janka248]

he, he he, that sounds like him 😅

[@hjgarneyiii1970]

Happy Birthday John. Your music is still an inspiration! R I P

[@grahamshankarjihunt]

My claim to fame is that he and I were born on the same day - the sad thing is I'm still here and he's not. I've loved him since Les Cousins in the 60s and I miss his presence in the world terribly. RIP big man - your art was peerless.

[@TheAtticradio]

Is there more of this concert ? It is so good JM puts his love for all to see into his music. What a master 🎸

[@DRSHOKOTV]

LEGENDARY 🏆

[@jeffmeades7333]

Absolutely brilliant

[@eternitypoet]

truly amazing and beautiful. i saw him early 70s in Leith Town Hall with dannyT. he was intoxicated (and not just with drink) ... a troubadour indeed. every time he sang, he just seemed to put all of himself into the here and now of the song. thank you for finding this and sharing.

[@HugeGene]

A great song always shines through and remains eternal. The only times I enjoyed John Martyn it was his voice and an acoustic guitar. I first heard this tune in college, and it floored me. Still does. I always get a chuckle out of the lyric about "never lose your temper if you get into a bar room fight." Man, if you are even IN a bar room fight its way past losing your temper, mate.

[@jonathansandford]

Thank you 💕

[@itchyego]

I met him back stage in the 90,s... so sad his demons came on so strong. He became sick in excess, I guess. Thank you john, for all. - Ken in Hawaii

[@ChrisFerg10]

A genius until the end. One of the best to ever do it - JM ✌🏻

[@gringopig]

He's a wreck but this is fantastic. He's playing really well and I love his voice on this. Blues inflections and precise and strong picking.

[@garylindley6382]

beat that. Fucking brilliant

[@mckayuk]

I knew the mid 80,s version of this man, shared a cubicle in a Hamburg toilet and it wasnt to have a shit and he didnt seem to mind turning up gracefully late for his gig or as he said "the fuckers can wait". Loved his music and knew him as being hilariously funny but within this "cuddly bear" as some with rose tainted glases describe him lived a man who would often go from one extrem to another, soft gentle - explosive violent. Booze and drugs contributed immensly to his physical deteriation and for me I saw nothing good about it because it was obvious what the end game would be. Some of his latter gigs singing incomprehensively was when I couldnt watch nor hear anymore. I posted on my channel several songs from a live gig in mid 80,s Germany, he was wired and why some versions of songs were ferocious and others gentle, for an onlooker amazing, intriguing, bewildering, a man in the process of self harm. JM you will have accepted your demise for what it was but im sure there are some like me who would have been flying the flag to see you tame those demons and around today treating us to more of your music. RIP

[@cgmaster]

when there's video with John Martyn I LIKE!!!